#United States #New York #education leadership #Teach For America #Aneesh Sohoni

Aneesh Sohoni's New Role at Teach For America

In a significant leadership change, Teach For America (TFA) has announced the appointment of Aneesh Sohoni as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 15, 2025. Sohoni, who is currently the CEO of One Million Degrees, brings a wealth of experience to this vital role, succeeding longtime leader Elisa Villanueva Beard, who has dedicated 27 years to TFA.

The decision was made after an extensive search by TFA's Board of Directors, which concluded that Sohoni is the right fit for steering TFA's initiatives forward. David Kenny, chair of the board, expressed confidence in Sohoni’s vision and experience, stating that he is well-equipped to lead the nonprofit in its mission to ensure every child has access to a quality education.

Sohoni's relationship with Teach For America began when he joined its Twin Cities corps in 2009, where he developed a passion for educational equity. He later served as the Executive Director of TFA Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana before taking on his role at One Million Degrees. Under his leadership, One Million Degrees has made substantial strides, helping to increase the number of community college students achieving graduation by providing essential academic and financial support.

As he steps into the CEO role, Sohoni aims to build upon TFA's existing initiatives and strengthen its commitment to innovative educational practices. He is expected to leverage TFA's community-based approach, engaging over 300 local communities to empower students and educators alike.

In his own words, Sohoni expressed optimism about the organization's potential for impactful change: "I am inspired by what is possible and hopeful that the current trajectory of education and learning in our country does not have to define our future. We’ve seen communities defy the trends and create progress, and I’m proud that TFA prioritizes coalition-building with students and community members."

Sohoni’s appointment comes at a time when TFA is actively pursuing its ambitious 2030 goals aimed at reaching more children in need of educational support, focusing on enhancing results in core subjects like reading and math. With the corps seeing a 50% growth over the last two years, TFA is evidently poised to make significant contributions to the educational landscape across the United States.

The board's commitment to maintaining the organization's impactful work while seeking out a visionary leader reflects a deeper belief in TFA's mission and the change it seeks to bring about in the educational sector. Under Sohoni's incoming leadership, there is considerable anticipation regarding TFA's strategies for future progress and its ongoing dedication to community engagement.

Until Sohoni officially steps into the role, Villanueva Beard will continue to lead the organization with her experienced team, ensuring continuity and stability during this transition period. In her communication, Villanueva Beard expressed gratitude for her tenure and confidence in the organization’s bright future with Sohoni at the helm.

Teach For America intends to push forward with its objectives, striving for a transformative educational landscape where every child can realize their potential, regardless of their background. With Sohoni's vision and commitment, TFA aims to continue enhancing its impact on children and communities nationwide.

About Teach For America

Founded in 1990, Teach For America recruits, trains, and supports a diverse network of leaders who work to expand opportunities for children across the United States. With over 70,000 alumni and corps members, TFA is dedicated to systemic change and providing equitable educational opportunities for every child. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org.